PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Solution for Infusion Paracetamol For children and adults from 33 kg up (approximately 11 years) Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine. - Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. - If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. - If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist In this leaflet: 1. What Paracetamol Hospira is and what it is used for 2. Before you use Paracetamol Hospira 3. How to use Paracetamol Hospira 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Paracetamol Hospira 6. Further information 1. WHAT PARACETAMOL HOSPIRA IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR This medicine is an analgesic (it relieves pain) and an antipyretic (it lowers fever). It is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate pain, especially following surgery, and for the short-term treatment of fever. The 100 ml container is restricted to adults, adolescents and children weighing more than 33 kg (about 11 years old). 2. BEFORE YOU USE PARACETAMOL HOSPIRA You should not be given Paracetamol Hospira - If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients of Paracetamol Hospira - If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to propacetamol (another analgesic and a precursor of paracetamol) - If you suffer from a severe liver disease Take special care with Paracetamol Hospira: - If you suffer from a liver or kidney disease, or from alcohol abuse, - If you are taking other medicines containing paracetamol, - In cases of nutrition problems (malnutrition) or dehydration. Inform your doctor before treatment if any of the above mentioned conditions apply to you. It is recommended that a suitable analgesic oral treatment be used as soon as this route of administration is possible. Using other medicines This medicine contains paracetamol and this must be taken into account if other medicines containing paracetamol or propacetamol are taken, in order not to exceed the recommended daily dose (see following section). Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines containing 1
paracetamol. This medicine should not be given to you if you are taking any other paracetamol or propacetamol -containing products. A dose reduction should be considered for concomitant treatment with probenecid. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking oral anticoagulants. More check-ups to look at the effect of the anticoagulant might be needed. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Pregnancy Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Paracetamol Hospira may be used during pregnancy. However, in this case the doctor must evaluate if the treatment is advisable. Breast-feeding Paracetamol Hospira may be used during breast-feeding. Driving or Using Machines The product does not affect the ability to drive or use machines Important information about some of the ingredients of Paracetamol Hospira This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 100 ml of Paracetamol Hospira, i.e. is essentially 'sodium free'. 3. HOW TO USE PARACETAMOL HOSPIRA Paracetamol Hospira will be administered to you by a healthcare professional. Dosage The dose will depend on your weight (please see the dosing table here below) and your general condition. Your doctor will calculate your body weight and will determine the dose you should receive. Paracetamol Hospira should be given to children weighing < 33 kg. Patient weight > 33 kg to 50 kg Dose per administration Volume per administration Maximum volume of Paracetamol Hospira (10 mg/ml) per administratio n based on upper weight limits of group (ml) Maximum Daily Dose * 15 mg/kg 1.5 ml/kg 75 ml** 60 mg/kg not exceeding 3 g >50 kg with additional risk 1 g 100 ml 100 ml 3 g 2
factors for hepatotoxicity >50 kg and no additional risk factors for hepatotoxicity 1 g 100 ml 100 ml 4 g *Maximum daily dose: The maximum daily dose as presented in the table above is for patients that are not receiving other paracetamol containing products and should be adjusted accordingly taking such products into account. **Patients weighing less will require smaller volumes. The minimum interval between each administration must be at least 4 hours. The minimum interval between each administration in patients with severe renal insufficiency must be at least 6 hours. No more than 4 doses to be given in 24 hours. Method of administration Intravenous use. RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS Take care to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between milligram (mg) and millilitre (ml), which could result in accidental overdose and death. For the 100 ml bag: Remove the overpouch before product administration. Paracetamol Hospira will be given by infusion into one of your veins. The infusion will last approximately 15 minutes. If you have the impression that the effect of your medicine is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor. In overdose cases, symptoms generally appear within the first 24 hours and comprise: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, pallor, abdominal pain and risk of liver injury. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of overdosage, because of the risk of irreversible liver damage. Please inform your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. If you have any further questions on the use of this product ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Paracetamol Hospira can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them: In rare cases (affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000), the following may occur: a malaise, a drop in blood pressure or changes in laboratory test results: abnormally high levels of hepatic enzymes found during blood checks. Should this occur, inform your doctor as regular blood checks may be required later. 3
In very rare cases (affects less than 1 user in 10,000) a serious skin rash or allergic reaction may occur (redness of the skin, flushing, itching and abnormally rapid beating of the heart). Stop the treatment immediately and inform your doctor. In very rare cases, other changes in laboratory test results have been observed which have necessitated regular blood checks: abnormally low levels of some types of blood cells (platelets, white cells) can occur, possibly leading to bleeding from the nose or gums. Should this occur, inform your doctor. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 5. HOW TO STORE PARACETAMOL HOSPIRA Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Paracetamol Hospira should not be used after the expiry date which is stated on the packaging after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Glass vials: Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Plastic bags: Do not store above 25ºC. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store the plastic bags in the aluminium overpouch in order to protect from light. Following the removal of the overpouch, the product must be used immediately. For single use only. The product should be used immediately after opening. Any unused solution should be discarded. Before administration the product should be visually inspected. Do not use Paracetamol Hospira if you notice any particulate matter and discolouration. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 4
6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Paracetamol Hospira contains The active substance is paracetamol. One ml contains 10 mg paracetamol, this container contains 1000 mg paracetamol in 100 ml. The other ingredients are mannitol (E-421), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide (for ph adjustment), povidone K-12 and water for injections. What Paracetamol Hospira looks like and contents of the pack Paracetamol Hospira is a clear and slightly yellowish solution for infusion. Paracetamol Hospira is supplied in packs of 1, 10 and 12 vials or 10 and 20 plastic bags with an aluminium opaque overpouch. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer <<To be completed nationally>> This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names: Germany: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Infusionslösung Austria: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Infusionslösung Belgium: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml solution pour perfusion Denmark: Paracetamol Hospira Finland: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml infuusioneste liuos France: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml solution pour perfusion Italy: Paracetamolo Hospira 10 mg/ml soluzione per infusione Luxembourg: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Infusionslösung Netherlands: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Oplossing voor infusie Norway: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Infusjonsvæske, oppløsning Poland: Paracetamol Hospira Portugal: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml solução para perfusão Spain: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml solución para perfusión Sweden: Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Infusionsvätska, lösning United Kingdom: Paracetamol 10 mg/ml Solution for Infusion This leaflet was last approved in ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: 1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT Paracetamol Hospira 10 mg/ml Solution for Infusion 2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION Each container contains 1000 mg paracetamol. One ml contains 10 mg paracetamol. 5
Excipients: Sodium 0.02 mg/ml For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM Solution for infusion. The solution is clear and slightly yellowish. ph: 5.0-6.5 Osm: 270-300 mosm 4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 4.1 Therapeutic indications Paracetamol Hospira is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate pain, especially following surgery, and for the short-term treatment of fever, when administration by intravenous route is clinically justified by an urgent need to treat pain or hyperthermia and/or when other routes of administration are not possible. 4.2 Posology and method of administration Intravenous use. The product is restricted to adults, adolescents and children weighing more than 33 kg (approximately 11 years old). Posology: Dosing based on patient weight (please see the dosing table here below): Patient weight > 33 kg to 50 kg Dose per administration Volume per administration Maximum volume of Paracetamol Hospira (10 mg/ml) per administratio n based on upper weight limits of group (ml) Maximum Daily Dose * 15 mg/kg 1.5 ml/kg 75 ml** 60 mg/kg not exceeding 3 g >50 kg with additional risk factors for hepatotoxicity 1 g 100 ml 100 ml 3 g 6
>50 kg and no additional risk factors for hepatotoxicity 1 g 100 ml 100 ml 4 g *Maximum daily dose: The maximum daily dose as presented in the table above is for patients that are not receiving other paracetamol containing products and should be adjusted accordingly taking such products into account. **Patients weighing less will require smaller volumes. The minimum interval between each administration must be at least 4 hours. No more than 4 doses to be given in 24 hours. Severe renal insufficiency: The minimum interval between each administration in patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 30 ml/min) must be at least 6 hours see section 5.2). Adolescents and adults weighing more than 50 kg: Paracetamol 1000 mg per administration, i.e. one 100 ml container, up to four times a day. The minimum interval between each administration must be at least 4 hours. The maximum daily dose must not exceed 4000 mg. In adults with hepatocellular insufficiency, chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition (low reserves of hepatic glutathione), dehydration. The maximum daily dose must not exceed 3 g (see section 4.4) Children weighing more than 33 kg (approximately 11 years old), adolescents and adults weighing less than 50 kg: Paracetamol 15 mg/kg per administration, i.e. 1.5 ml solution per kg up to four times a day. The minimum interval between each administration must be at least 4 hours. The maximum daily dose must not exceed 60 mg/kg (without exceeding 3000 mg). Severe renal insufficiency: The minimum interval between each administration in patients with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 30 ml/min) must be at least 6 hours (see section 5.2). Method of administration: Take care when prescribing and administering Paracetamol Hospira to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between milligram (mg) and millilitre (ml), which could result in accidental overdose and death. Take care to ensure the proper dose is communicated and dispensed. When writing prescriptions, include both the total dose in mg and the total dose in volume. Take care to ensure the dose is measured and administered accurately. The paracetamol solution is administered as a 15-minute intravenous infusion. Before administration, the product should be visually inspected for any particulate matter and discolouration. For single use only. 7
As for all solutions for infusion presented in containers, it should be remembered that close monitoring is needed notably at the end of the infusion, regardless of administration route. This monitoring at the end of the infusion applies particularly for central route infusions, in order to avoid air embolism. 4.3 Contraindications Paracetamol Hospira is contraindicated: - in patients with hypersensitivity to paracetamol or to propacetamol hydrochloride (prodrug of paracetamol) or to any of the excipients. - in cases of severe hepatocellular insufficiency. 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use Warnings RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS Take care to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between milligram (mg) and millilitre (ml), which could result in accidental overdose and death (see section 4.2). It is recommended that a suitable analgesic oral treatment be used as soon as this route of administration is possible. In order to avoid the risk of overdose, it should be checked that no other medicines administered contain either paracetamol or propacetamol. Doses higher than those recommended entail the risk of very serious liver damage. Clinical signs and symptoms of liver damage (including fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, cholestatic hepatitis, cytolytic hepatitis) are usually seen after two days of drug administration with a peak seen after 4-6 days. Treatment with antidote should be given as soon as possible (See section 4.9). This medicinal product contains less than 1mmol sodium (23 mg) per 100 ml of Paracetamol Hospira, i.e. essentially 'sodium free'. Precautions for use Paracetamol should be used with caution in cases of: - hepatocellular insufficiency, - severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance 30 ml/min) (see sections 4.2 and 5.2), - chronic alcoholism, - chronic malnutrition (low reserves of hepatic glutathione), - dehydration. 4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction - Probenecid causes an almost 2-fold reduction in clearance of paracetamol by inhibiting its conjugation with glucuronic acid. A reduction in the paracetamol dose should be considered if it is to be used concomitantly with probenecid. - Salicylamide may prolong the elimination t½ of paracetamol. - Caution should be taken with the concomitant intake of enzyme-inducing substances (see section 4.9). 8
- Concomitant use of paracetamol (4 g per day for at least 4 days) with oral anticoagulants may lead to slight variations of INR values. In this case, increased monitoring of INR values should be conducted during the period of concomitant use as well as for 1 week after paracetamol treatment has been discontinued. - 4.6 Pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy: Clinical experience of the intravenous administration of paracetamol is limited. However, epidemiological data from the use of oral therapeutic doses of paracetamol indicate no undesirable effects in pregnancy or on the health of the foetus / newborn infant. Prospective data on pregnancies exposed to overdoses did not show any increase in the risk of malformation. No reproductive studies with the intravenous form of paracetamol have been performed in animals. However, studies with the oral route did not show any malformation or foetotoxic effects. Nevertheless, Paracetamol Hospira should only be used during pregnancy after a careful benefit-risk assessment. In this case, the recommended posology and duration must be strictly observed. Lactation: After oral administration, paracetamol is excreted into breast milk in small quantities. No undesirable effects on nursing infants have been reported. Consequently, Paracetamol Hospira may be used in breast-feeding women. 4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines Not relevant 4.8 Undesirable effects As with all paracetamol products, adverse drug reactions are rare ( 1/10,000 to <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10000). They are described below: Organ System Rare Very rare Blood and lymphatic system disorders Vascular disorders Hepatobiliary disorders General disorders and administration site conditions Hypotension Increased levels of hepatic transaminases Malaise Thrombocytopenia Leucopenia, Neutropenia Hypersensitivity reaction Very rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions ranging from simple skin rash or urticaria to anaphylactic shock have been reported and require discontinuation of treatment. 9
Cases of erythema, flushing, pruritus and tachycardia have been reported. 4.9 Overdose There is a risk of liver injury (including fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, cholestatic hepatitis, cytolytic hepatitis), particularly in elderly subjects, in young children, in patients with liver disease, in cases of chronic alcoholism, in patients with chronic malnutrition and in patients receiving enzyme inducers. Overdosing may be fatal in these cases. Symptoms generally appear within the first 24 hours and comprise: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, pallor and abdominal pain. Overdose, 7.5 g or more of paracetamol in a single administration in adults or 140 mg/kg of body weight in a single administration in children, causes hepatic cytolysis likely to induce complete and irreversible necrosis, resulting in hepatocellular insufficiency, metabolic acidosis and encephalopathy which may lead to coma and death. Simultaneously, increased levels of hepatic transaminases (AST, ALT), lactate dehydrogenase and bilirubin are observed together with decreased prothrombin levels that may appear 12 to 48 hours after administration. Clinical symptoms of liver damage are usually evident initially after two days, and reach a maximum after 4 to 6 days. Emergency measures Immediate hospitalisation. Before beginning treatment, a blood sample for plasma paracetamol assay should be taken, as soon as possible after the overdose. The treatment includes administration of the antidote, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) by the i.v. or oral route, if possible before the 10th hour. NAC can, however, give some degree of protection even after 10 hours, but in these cases prolonged treatment is given. Symptomatic treatment. Hepatic tests must be carried out at the beginning of treatment and repeated every 24 hours. In most cases hepatic transaminases return to normal in one to two weeks with full return of normal liver function. In very severe cases, however, liver transplantation may be necessary. 5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties Pharmacotherapeutic group : OTHER ANALGESICS AND ANTIPYRETICS; Anilides ATC Code : N02BE01 The precise mechanism of the analgesic and antipyretic properties of paracetamol has yet to be established; it may involve central and peripheral actions. Paracetamol Hospira provides onset of pain relief within 5 to 10 minutes after the start of administration. The peak analgesic effect is obtained in 1 hour and the duration of this effect is usually 4 to 6 hours. Paracetamol Hospira reduces fever within 30 minutes after the start of administration with a duration of the antipyretic effect of at least 6 hours. 10
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties Adults Absorption: Paracetamol pharmacokinetics is linear up to 2 g after single administration and after repeated administration during 24 hours. The bioavailability of paracetamol following infusion of 500 mg and 1 g of paracetamol is similar to that observed following infusion of 1g and 2 g propacetamol (containing 500 mg and 1 g paracetamol respectively). The maximal plasma concentration (C max ) of paracetamol observed at the end of 15-minutes intravenous infusion of 500 mg and 1 g of paracetamol is about 15 μg/ml and 30 μg/ml respectively. Distribution: The volume of distribution of paracetamol is approximately 1 l/kg. Paracetamol is not extensively bound to plasma proteins. Following infusion of 1 g paracetamol, significant concentrations of paracetamol (about 1.5 µg/ml) were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid at and after the 20th minute following infusion. Metabolism: Paracetamol is metabolised mainly in the liver following two major hepatic pathways: glucuronic acid conjugation and sulphuric acid conjugation. The latter route is rapidly saturable at doses that exceed the therapeutic doses. A small fraction (less than 4%) is metabolised by cytochrome P 450 to a reactive intermediate (N-acetyl benzoquinone imine) which, under normal conditions of use, is rapidly detoxified by reduced glutathione and eliminated in the urine after conjugation with cysteine and mercapturic acid. However, during massive overdosing, the quantity of this toxic metabolite is increased. Elimination: The metabolites of paracetamol are mainly excreted in the urine. 90% of the dose administered is excreted within 24 hours, mainly as glucuronide (60-80%) and sulphate (20-30%) conjugates. Less than 5% is eliminated unchanged. Plasma half-life is 2.7 hours and total body clearance is 18 l/h. Neonates, infants and children The pharmacokinetic parameters of paracetamol observed in infants and children are similar to those observed in adults, except for the plasma half-life that is slightly shorter (1.5 to 2 h) than in adults. In new-born infants, the plasma half-life is longer than in infants i.e. around 3.5 hours. New-born infants, infants and children up to 10 years excrete significantly less glucuronide and more sulphate conjugates than adults. Table - Age related pharmacokinetic values (standardised clearance, *CL std /F oral (l.h -1 70kg -1 ) Age Weight (kg) CL std /F oral (l.h -1 70kg -1 ) 40 weeks PCA 3.3 5.9 3 months PNA 6 8.8 6 months PNA 7.5 11.1 11
1 year PNA 10 13.6 2 years PNA 12 15.6 5 years PNA 20 16.3 8 years PNA 25 16.3 *CL std is the population estimate for CL Special populations Renal insufficiency: In cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-30 ml/min), the elimination of paracetamol is slightly delayed, the elimination half-life ranging from 2 to 5.3 hours. For the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, the elimination rate is 3 times slower in subjects with severe renal impairment than in healthy subjects. Therefore when giving paracetamol to patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30 ml/min), the minimum interval between each administration should be increased to 6 hours (see section 4.2.). Elderly subjects: The pharmacokinetics and the metabolism of paracetamol are not modified in elderly subjects. No dose adjustment is required in this population. 5.3 Preclinical safety data Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans beyond the information included in other sections of the SmPC. Studies on local tolerance of paracetamol i.v. in rats and rabbits showed good tolerability. Absence of delayed contact hypersensitivity has been tested in guinea pigs. 6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 6.1 List of excipients Mannitol Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate Povidone K-12 Sodium Hydroxide for ph adjustment Water for Injections 6.2 Incompatibilities Paracetamol Hospira must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in Section 6.6. 6.3 Shelf life 18 months. Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 15 days at 2-8 C. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8 C. 12
6.4 Special precautions for storage Glass vials: Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Plastic bags: Do not store above 25ºC. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store the plastic bags in the aluminium overpouch in order to protect from light. Following the removal of the overpouch, the product must be used immediately. 6.5 Nature and contents of container Glass vials: Clear type II glass vials of 100 ml closed with halogenated butyl rubber stopper and aluminium cap. Pack size: 1, 10 and 12 vials. Plastic bags: 100 ml polyolefin bag with one blind port and one port covered by an elastomeric stopper and sealed with an aluminium cap. Bag and ports are covered by an aluminium opaque overpouch. 100 ml polypropylene bag with two ports covered by an elastomeric stopper and sealed with a plastic cap. Bag and ports are covered by an aluminium opaque overpouch. Pack size: 10 and 20 bags. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 6.6 Special precautions and other handling for the product If diluted in 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride or 50 mg/ml (5%) glucose, the solution should be used immediately. However, if the solution is not used immediately, do not store for more than 1 hour (infusion time included). For the 100 ml bag: Remove the overpouch before product administration. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. 7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 13